Constable: A Study Room Resource

John Constable, 'View on the Stour: Dedham Church in the Distance', 1832-6. Museum no. 249-1888

Copyright

Copyright Victoria and Albert Museum

John Constable, 'View on the Stour: Dedham Church in the Distance'

John Constable (1776-1837)
'View on the Stour: Dedham Church in the Distance'
Great Britain
1832-6
Pencil and sepia wash
Museum no. 249-1888

The drawing reproduces the central section of Dedham lock and mill on display in the gallery, but in a very different vein. Whereas the painting is all sunshine and busy water traffic, the drawings dramatic use of tone creates an atmosphere of brooding melancholy. Line is hardly evident at all. Nearly everything is conveyed in solid blocks of dark sepia ink, with few mid-tones.

This drawing can be found in Prints and Drawings Study Room box EDUC 15.